Back in 1954 the concept of Solar Powered devices was born. A scientific breakthrough made possible a solar battery made up of a number of individual silicon cells. It could directly convert 12 to 14 percent of sunlight energy into electricity. However, even back then, the need to improve this efficiency was recognised. It would be some time yet before Solar Powered appliances would be readily available.
Solar Powered inventions work on the basis of light striking the solar cells causing a flow of electrons that are harnessed to power devices like radios and motors, or charge storage batteries, etc. All taking place at an instance and in silence. Solar Powered houses were even thought of as early as 1963. A solar-shingled roof was the concept, but unfortunately the cost at that time was astronomical. Nevertheless, it was estimated that an 800 square foot, solar paneled roof at 10% efficiency, could provide enough electricity to service a home on just 5 days of sunshine per month.
Solar Powered Ideas Spread
Thus, for many years, the main application of solar batteries was limited to space satellites. Gradually they came into commercial use and Solar Powered radios, clocks, televisions, and movie cameras were produced and eventually marketed. Long-distance radio communications came to be Solar Powered through a twenty-square-foot panel of solar batteries, housing over 7,800 single solar cells.
It is said that Australia had the world’s first sun-powered telecommunications system, a Solar Powered microwave radio link. A system of 13 solar-celled microwave repeater stations designed to relay telephone, telegraph and TV signals over 580 kilometres (360 miles). With 132 watts of continuous power and up to 814 watts peak power, and batteries supplying power at night and on cloudy days.
Solar Powered Aviation Put to the Test
A 31 year old pilot named Janice Brown, flew a Solar Powered aircraft for 14 minutes and 21 seconds, almost continuously except for one landing. The “Gossamer Penguin,” said to be the world’s first sun-powered aircraft, weighed 68-pounds (31-kg) and flew a few feet above the ground for 2.1 miles (3.4 km) in California.
With a 2.7-horsepower electric motor, the Solar Powered, “Solar Challenger” lifted off near Paris, and flew successfully across the English Channel at 11,000 feet (3,350 m) for most of the 165-mile (266-km) trip. The aircraft, powered by 16,000 photovoltaic cells, flew at an average speed of around 30 miles per hour (50 km/h).
Built to house all the athletes and officials, the Sydney Olympic Village, is the largest Solar Powered village in the world, (at least at the time of its being built). Because or it's size, a very large solar-celled grid was put in place, making electricity with almost no greenhouse gas emissions.
It would seem that the reality of Solar Powered inventions has been a long time coming. But today that reality is with us more than ever. New homes are being built that are powered by the sun with solar panels that are built into the roof. Each year the list of Solar Powered items is added to. Sadly now we have little choice in the matter, if we are to save the planet. With the cost of fuel said to be on the rise, our incentive to use solar energy is really twofold. The more we take advantage of Solar Powered devices the more money we save!
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